Brixen between the Old Town, Water and Mountain Landscapes

Brixen combines art, water and excursions into the mountain landscape with the city’s extensive medieval centre, which is under heritage protection.

Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and Centuries of European History

Brixen Cathedral dominates the historic centre. Its history dates back to 980 AD. The Bishop’s Palace (Hofburg) was built in the 13th century by the prince-bishops of Brixen and houses the Diocesan Museum and the Diocesan Archive.

The Diocesan Museum presents the Brixen Cathedral Treasury and valuable works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in more than 70 exhibition rooms. The Brixen Pharmacy Museum uses the example of a Brixen pharmacist family to showcase 400 years of pharmaceutical history. In the cloister, you can see a Romanesque structure with vaults dating from the 14th century, as well as frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries that demonstrate the development of medieval art. Stufels is also part of the city’s historical perspective: the district was already settled in the Neolithic Age and is known as an artists’ quarter.

On Foot, by E-Bike and by the Water

The compact Old Town makes it easy to explore on foot. Short walks and easy hikes begin directly in Brixen, including paths along the Isarco River. The distinctive fountain landscape also helps with orientation: Brixen has 48 fountains, which together form an open-air museum of water. Visitors can refill their bottles at suitable public drinking-water fountains; these fountains are marked with the sign “Drinking water”.

If you want to experience the city’s history in motion rather than simply observing it, the Urban Life Ride Brixen tour explores the city by e-bike. It combines architectural heritage, urban development and people’s everyday lives. The annual Water Light Festival in May features an installation at the confluence of the Isarco and Rienz rivers.

Excursions to Plose and Regional Cuisine

In the immediate surroundings of Brixen, the Plose hiking area offers the WoodyWalk and Lorggen family trails. There are also opportunities for mountain biking, mountain-cart rides and rides on the Plosebob.

Cuisine is also part of the Brixen experience. The city has inns serving traditional local dishes. In autumn, Törggelen combines hikes through the autumn landscape with visits to traditional Buschenschänke taverns, as well as seasonal food and drinks. Thus, alongside the cathedral, museums and Old Town, regional food culture and a landscape experience shaped by the seasons are also at the heart of a visit.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to visit other places in addition to Brixen, you can find Barbian, Feldthurns, Rodeneck, Villanders, Mühlbach, Lajen, Villnöß and Meransen here.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around

Brixen railway station is within walking distance of the historic Old Town. Alternatively, city buses connect the railway station with the centre and the surrounding villages. This combination of a compact Old Town, short routes to walks, cultural attractions and regional excursions makes Brixen a versatile base for a holiday combining urban history, landscapes and everyday South Tyrolean culture.

For the higher-level travel overview: Isarco Valley.